In Law, In Line – 5

Her mother-in-law had started the poojas a little early on Tuesday. It was not customary, no, not for a Tuesday at any rate, the most inauspicious of all the days of the week. But there was a vote to be counted, a nation to be saved, Shruti’s mother-in-law believed.

After spending an hour, half an hour more than she would generally, she came out with the usual brass plate flaming with a small lump of camphor burning and thrust the plate in front of Shruti, muttering prayers fervently. “PRasadam,” she said.

Shruti, who was sitting glued to the TV, was dreading just this moment. “No, amma,” she said, summoning up courage, “You know I can’t. I support the BJP.” Her mother-in-law’s face fell instantly. She turned on her heel and stomped off, prayers turning to abuse in her mouth.